Position detection equipment

Abstract

This application relates to a position detection device, comprising: a first Hall element; a second Hall element; a differential amplifier configured to generate a differential voltage by differentially amplifying a first Hall voltage generated by the first Hall element and a second Hall voltage generated by the second Hall element; a summing amplifier configured to generate a summed voltage by summing the first Hall voltage and the second Hall voltage; a comparator configured to compare a reference voltage with the differential voltage to generate an error voltage; and a current converter configured to generate a bias current supplied to the first Hall element and the second Hall element based on the error voltage, wherein the device is configured to detect the position of a detected object based on the summed voltage.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0013123, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on February 4, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The following description refers to a device (or position detection device) with position detection. Background Technology

[0004] Portable communication terminals, such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and portable personal computers (PCs), are typically designed to transmit text or voice data as well as image data. Therefore, camera modules have been incorporated into portable communication terminals to allow for the transmission of image data and enable video chat functionality.

[0005] Recently, actuators with autofocus (AF) and optical image stabilization (OIS) actuators for OIS have been provided for camera modules to reduce resolution loss due to camera shake.

[0006] In addition, the camera module may include an aperture module for adjusting the amount of light incident on the lens barrel, and an IRIS actuator for moving the variable aperture to the target position.

[0007] The aforementioned AF, OIS, and IRIS actuators can detect the current position of an object using a Hall element. However, the Hall voltage of the Hall element changes with temperature. Therefore, it is necessary to compensate for the change in Hall voltage caused by temperature variations in order to accurately detect the position of the object. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The summary portion of this invention is intended to provide a brief overview of the chosen inventive concepts, which will be further described in the detailed description portion below. This summary portion is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0009] In one general aspect, the position detection device includes: a first Hall element; a second Hall element; a differential amplifier configured to generate a differential voltage by differentially amplifying a first Hall voltage generated by the first Hall element and a second Hall voltage generated by the second Hall element; a summing amplifier configured to generate a summed voltage by summing the first Hall voltage and the second Hall voltage; a comparator configured to compare a reference voltage with the differential voltage to generate an error voltage; and a current converter configured to generate a bias current supplied to the first Hall element and the second Hall element based on the error voltage, wherein the device is configured to detect the position of the detected object based on the summed voltage.

[0010] The summation voltage can satisfy: Where Vsum is the summation voltage, Vref is the reference voltage, G is the voltage-to-current conversion gain of the current converter, A is the amplification gain of the differential amplifier and the summation amplifier, S is the magnetic field sensitivity, M1 is the magnetic field of the first Hall element, and M2 is the magnetic field of the second Hall element.

[0011] The summation voltage, reference voltage, voltage-to-current conversion gain, amplification gain, magnetic field sensitivity, magnetic field of the first Hall element, and magnetic field of the second Hall element can satisfy the following:

[0012] The summation voltage, reference voltage, voltage-to-current conversion gain, amplification gain, magnetic field sensitivity, magnetic field of the first Hall element, and magnetic field of the second Hall element can satisfy the following:

[0013] The summation voltage can be determined based on the ratio of the difference between the magnetic fields of the first Hall element and the second Hall element to the sum of the magnetic fields of the first Hall element and the second Hall element.

[0014] The comparator can be configured to calculate the difference between the reference voltage and the differential voltage.

[0015] The magnetic field sensitivity of the first Hall element can be equal to that of the second Hall element.

[0016] The amplification gain of a differential amplifier and the amplification gain of a summing amplifier can be equal.

[0017] In another general aspect, the position detection device includes: a first Hall element; a second Hall element; a differential amplifier configured to apply an amplification gain to a first Hall voltage generated by the first Hall element and a second Hall voltage generated by the second Hall element to generate a difference voltage; a summing amplifier configured to apply an amplification gain to the first Hall element and the second Hall voltage to generate a summed voltage; a comparator configured to compare a reference voltage with the difference voltage to generate an error voltage; and a current converter configured to apply a voltage-to-current conversion gain to the error voltage to generate a bias current supplied to the first Hall element and the second Hall element based on the error voltage, wherein the voltage-to-current conversion gain and the amplification gain are determined based on the magnetic field of the first Hall element and the magnetic field of the second Hall element.

[0018] The summation voltage can satisfy: Where Vsum is the summation voltage, Vref is the reference voltage, G is the voltage-to-current conversion gain, A is the amplification gain, S is the magnetic field sensitivity, M1 is the magnetic field of the first Hall element, and M2 is the magnetic field of the second Hall element.

[0019] The summation voltage, reference voltage, voltage-to-current conversion gain, amplification gain, magnetic field sensitivity, magnetic field of the first Hall element, and magnetic field of the second Hall element can satisfy the following:

[0020] The summation voltage, reference voltage, voltage-to-current conversion gain, amplification gain, magnetic field sensitivity, magnetic field of the first Hall element, and magnetic field of the second Hall element can satisfy the following:

[0021] The summation voltage can be determined based on the ratio of the difference between the magnetic fields of the first Hall element and the second Hall element to the sum of the magnetic fields of the first Hall element and the second Hall element.

[0022] The comparator can be configured to calculate the difference between the reference voltage and the differential voltage.

[0023] The magnetic field sensitivity of the first Hall element can be equal to that of the second Hall element.

[0024] In another general aspect, the camera module includes: a lens barrel; an aperture module coupled to the lens barrel and including an aperture configured to control the amount of light incident on the lens barrel; a coil; a magnet configured to move together with either the lens barrel or a component that sets the aperture opening size; a driver configured to apply a drive signal to the coil to move the magnet based on electromagnetic interaction between the coil and the magnet; and a position detection device. The position detection device includes: a first Hall element; a second Hall element; a differential amplifier configured to generate a difference voltage by differentially amplifying a first Hall voltage generated by the first Hall element and a second Hall voltage generated by the second Hall element; a summation amplifier configured to generate a summation voltage by summing the first Hall voltage and the second Hall voltage; a comparator configured to compare a reference voltage with the difference voltage to generate an error voltage; and a current converter configured to generate a bias current supplied to the first Hall element and the second Hall element based on the error voltage, wherein the position detection device is configured to detect the position of the magnet based on the summation voltage.

[0025] The position detection device can also be configured to generate a feedback signal based on the summed voltage. The driver can also be configured to generate a drive signal based on the feedback signal and an input signal indicating the target position of the magnet.

[0026] Other features and aspects will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a camera module according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 2 This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 1 An exploded stereoscopic view of the camera module.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an actuator used in a camera module according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating a position detection device according to an embodiment.

[0031] Throughout the accompanying drawings and detailed embodiments, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. For purposes of clarity, illustration, and convenience, the drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the relative dimensions, scale, and depiction of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The following detailed embodiments are provided to help readers gain a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described in this application. However, after understanding the disclosure of this application, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described in this application will be apparent. For example, the order of operations described in this application is merely illustrative, and is not limited to the order set forth in this application, except for operations that must occur in a specific order; obvious changes can be made after understanding the disclosure of this application. Furthermore, for clarity and conciseness, descriptions of features well-known in the art may be omitted.

[0033] The features described in this application may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the examples described in this application. Rather, the examples described in this application are provided merely to illustrate some of the many feasible ways of implementing the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described in this application, which will be apparent upon understanding this disclosure.

[0034] It should be noted that in this application, the term "may" is used in relation to examples or implementations, such as with regard to what an example or implementation may include or implement, meaning that there exists at least one example or implementation that includes or implements such features, and that all examples and implementations are not limited thereto.

[0035] Throughout this specification, when an element such as a layer, region, or substrate is described as being "on," "connected to," or "attached to" another element, the element may be directly "on," directly "connected to," or directly "attached to" the other element, or there may be one or more other elements between the element and the other element. Conversely, when an element is described as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly attached to" another element, there may be no other elements between the element and the other element.

[0036] As used in this application, the term "and / or" includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more items.

[0037] Although terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used in this application to describe various components, parts, regions, layers, or portions, these components, parts, regions, layers, or portions are not limited by these terms. Rather, these terms are used only to distinguish one component, part, region, layer, or portion from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the examples described in this application, the first component, first part, first region, first layer, or first portion mentioned in these examples may also be referred to as a second component, second part, second region, second layer, or second portion.

[0038] Spatial relative terms such as “above,” “above,” “below,” “lower,” “front,” “back,” and “side” may be used in this application for descriptive convenience to describe the relationship of one element relative to another, as shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition to covering the orientation depicted in the drawings, these spatial relative terms are intended to also cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, an element described as being “above” or “above” another element will be located “below” or “lower” that other element. Thus, depending on the spatial orientation of the device, the term “above” covers both orientations of “above” and “below”. For another example, if the device in the drawings is turned around, an element described as “front” relative to another element will be “back” relative to that other element. Thus, depending on the spatial orientation of the device, the term “front” includes both front and rear orientations. The device may also be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative terms used in this application should be interpreted accordingly.

[0039] The terminology used in this application is for describing various examples only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural form as well. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” indicate the presence of the stated features, numbers, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof.

[0040] Variations in the shapes shown in the accompanying drawings may occur due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Therefore, the examples described in this application are not limited to the specific shapes shown in the accompanying drawings, but include shape variations that may occur during manufacturing.

[0041] The features of the examples described in this application can be combined in various ways that will become apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application. Furthermore, although the examples described in this application have multiple configurations, other configurations that will become apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application are also possible.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a camera module 100 according to an embodiment. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view showing the camera module 100.

[0043] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The camera module 100 may include a lens barrel 210, an actuator configured to move the lens barrel 210, a housing 110 and a housing 120 configured to accommodate the lens barrel 210 and the actuator, an image sensor module 700 configured to convert light incident through the lens barrel 210 into an electrical signal, and an aperture module 800 configured to adjust the amount of light incident on the lens barrel 210.

[0044] The lens barrel 210 may have a hollow cylindrical shape, allowing multiple lenses for imaging an object to be housed within it, and one or more of these lenses may be mounted along the optical axis on the lens barrel 210. The multiple lenses may include a desired number of lenses, and the lenses may have the same refractive index and the same optical properties, or they may have different refractive indices and different optical properties.

[0045] The actuator can move the lens barrel 210. As an example, the actuator can adjust the focus by moving the lens barrel 210 in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis), and the actuator can perform image jitter correction by moving the lens barrel 210 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis) when imaging an object. The actuator may include a focus adjustment unit 400 for adjusting the focus and a jitter correction unit for correcting image jitter.

[0046] Image sensor module 700 converts light incident through lens barrel 210 into an electrical signal. As an example, image sensor module 700 may include image sensor 710 and a printed circuit board 720 connected to image sensor 710. Image sensor module 700 may also include an infrared filter. The infrared filter blocks infrared light incident through lens barrel 210. Image sensor 710 converts light incident through lens barrel 210 into an electrical signal. As an example, image sensor 710 may include a charge-coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS). The electrical signal converted by image sensor 710 can be output as an image via a display unit of a portable electronic device. Image sensor 710 can be fixed to printed circuit board 720 and can be electrically connected to printed circuit board 720 via wire bonding.

[0047] The lens barrel 210 and the actuator can be housed within the housing 120. As an example, the upper and lower portions of the housing 120 can be configured to be open, and the lens barrel 210 and the actuator can be housed within the housing 120. The image sensor module 700 can be disposed below the housing 120.

[0048] The housing 110 can be attached to the housing 120 to enclose the outer surface of the housing 120 and protect the internal components of the camera module 100. The housing 110 can also shield electromagnetic waves. The housing 110 can be formed of a metallic material and can be grounded to a grounding pad provided in the printed circuit board 720, and thus can shield electromagnetic waves.

[0049] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, the actuator can move the lens barrel 210 to focus on an object. As an example, the actuator may include a focus adjustment unit 400 configured to move the lens barrel 210 in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0050] The focus adjustment unit 400 may include a magnet 410 and a coil 420. The magnet 410 is configured to generate a driving force to move the lens barrel 210 and the support portion 300 in which the lens barrel 210 is housed in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0051] Magnet 410 can be mounted on the support portion 300. As an example, magnet 410 can be mounted on a first side of the support portion 300. Coil 420 can be mounted on housing 120 and can be opposite to magnet 410. As an example, coil 420 can be provided on a first side of substrate 600, and substrate 600 can be mounted on housing 120.

[0052] The magnet 410 can move together with the support portion 300 in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis), and the coil 420 can be fixed to the housing 120. In other embodiments, the positions of the magnet 410 and the coil 420 can be interchanged.

[0053] When a drive signal is applied to the coil 420, the carrier 300 can move in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis) due to the electromagnetic interaction between the magnet 410 and the coil 420.

[0054] The lens barrel 210 can be housed in the support portion 300, and when the support portion 300 moves, the lens barrel 210 can also move in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis). The frame 310 and the lens support 320 can also be housed in the support portion 300, and when the support portion 300 moves, the frame 310, the lens support 320, and the lens barrel 210 can move together in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0055] A rolling member B1 can be disposed between the support portion 300 and the housing 120 to reduce friction between the support portion 300 and the housing 120 when the support portion 300 moves. The rolling member B1 can be in the form of a ball. Multiple rolling members B1 can be disposed on both sides of the magnet 410.

[0056] A yoke 440 can be disposed within the housing 120. As an example, the yoke 440 can be mounted on a substrate 600 and disposed within the housing 120. The yoke 440 can be arranged on a surface of a first side of the substrate 600, opposite to a surface on which a coil 420 is disposed. Therefore, the yoke 440 can be opposite to the magnet 410, with the coil 420 inserted between the yoke 440 and the magnet 410. An attractive force can act between the yoke 440 and the magnet 410 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis). Through the attractive force between the yoke 440 and the magnet 410, the rolling member B1 can remain in contact with the support portion 300 and the housing 120. Furthermore, the yoke 440 can collect the magnetic force of the magnet 410 and can prevent magnetic flux leakage. As an example, the yoke 440 and the magnet 410 can form a magnetic circuit.

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment, a closed-loop control method that senses the position of the lens barrel 210 and provides feedback can be used during focus adjustment. Therefore, the AF actuator may include a position detection device for performing the closed-loop control method. As an example, the position detection device may include an AF Hall element 430. The flux value detected from the AF Hall element 430 can change according to the movement of the magnet 410 opposite to the AF Hall element 430. The position detection device can detect the position of the lens barrel 210 based on the change in the flux value of the AF Hall element 430 caused by the movement of the magnet 410 in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction.

[0058] The OIS actuator 500 can be used to correct image blur or video jitter caused by factors such as user hand tremors during image or video acquisition. For example, when an image jitters due to user hand tremors during image acquisition, the OIS actuator 500 can provide a relative displacement corresponding to the jitter to the lens barrel 210 to correct the jitter. As an example, the OIS actuator 500 can correct the jitter by moving the lens barrel 210 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0059] The OIS actuator 500 may include a plurality of magnets 510a and 520a and a plurality of coils 510b and 520b. The magnets 510a and 520a are configured to generate a driving force to move a guide member in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis). A frame 310 and a lens holder 320 may be inserted into a support portion 300. The frame 310 and lens holder 320 may be arranged along the optical axis (Z-axis) and may guide the movement of the lens barrel 210. The frame 310 and lens holder 320 may include a space in which the lens barrel 210 is inserted. The lens barrel 210 may be inserted into and secured to the lens holder 320.

[0060] The frame 310 and lens holder 320 can move relative to the support portion 300 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis) through the driving force generated by the magnetic interaction between multiple magnets 510a and 520a and multiple coils 510b and 520b. Among the multiple magnets 510a and 520a and the multiple coils 510b and 520b, the first magnet 510a can be disposed on the second side of the lens holder 320, and the first coil 510b can be disposed on the second side of the substrate 600, such that the first magnet 510a and the first coil 510b can generate a driving force in a direction perpendicular to the first axis (Y-axis) of the optical axis (Z-axis). Furthermore, the second magnet 520a can be disposed on the third side of the lens holder 320, and the second coil 520b can be disposed on the third side of the substrate 600, such that the second magnet 520a and the second coil 520b can generate a driving force in a direction perpendicular to the first axis (Y-axis) of the second axis (X-axis). The second axis (X-axis) can be an axis perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis) and the first axis (Y-axis). Coils 510b and 520b can be configured to be orthogonal to each other on a plane surface perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0061] Multiple magnets 510a and 520a can be mounted on the lens holder 320, and multiple coils 510b and 520b opposite to the multiple magnets 510a and 520a can be disposed on the substrate 600 and can be mounted on the housing 120.

[0062] Multiple magnets 510a and 520a can move together with the lens holder 320 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis), and multiple coils 510b and 520b can be fixed to the housing 120. In other embodiments, the positions of the multiple magnets 510a and 520a and the multiple coils 510b and 520b can be interchanged.

[0063] During jitter correction, a closed-loop control method that senses the position of the lens barrel 210 and provides feedback can be used. Therefore, the OIS actuator 500 may include a position detection device for closed-loop control. The position detection device may include OIS Hall elements 510c and 520c. OIS Hall elements 510c and 520c may be disposed on the substrate 600 and may be mounted on the housing 120. OIS Hall elements 510c and 520c may be positioned opposite a plurality of magnets 510a and 520a in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis). As an example, a first OIS Hall element 510c may be disposed on a second side of the substrate 600, and a second OIS Hall element 520c may be disposed on a third side of the substrate 600.

[0064] The flux values ​​of OIS Hall elements 510c and 520c can be changed according to the movement of magnets 510a and 520a opposite to OIS Hall elements 510c and 520c. The position detection device can detect the position of lens barrel 210 based on the change in flux values ​​of OIS Hall elements 510c and 520c caused by the movement of magnets 510a and 520a in two directions perpendicular to the optical axis (X-axis direction and Y-axis direction).

[0065] The camera module 100 may include a plurality of spherical members supporting the OIS actuator 500. The plurality of spherical members may be configured to guide the movement of the frame 310, the lens holder 320 and the lens barrel 210, and also maintain the gap between the support portion 300, the frame 310 and the lens holder 320.

[0066] The plurality of spherical components may include a first spherical component B2 and a second spherical component B3. The first spherical component B2 may guide the movement of the frame 310, the lens support 320 and the lens barrel 210 in the direction of the first axis (Y-axis), and the second spherical component B3 may guide the movement of the lens support 320 and the lens barrel 210 in the direction of the second axis (X-axis).

[0067] As an example, when a driving force is generated in the direction of the first axis (Y-axis), the first spherical member B2 can roll in the direction of the first axis (Y-axis). Therefore, the first spherical member B2 can guide the movement of the frame 310, the lens support 320, and the lens barrel 210 in the direction of the first axis (Y-axis). Furthermore, when a driving force is generated in the direction of the second axis (X-axis), the second spherical member B3 can roll in the direction of the second axis (X-axis). Therefore, the second spherical member B3 can guide the movement of the lens support 320 and the lens barrel 210 in the direction of the second axis (X-axis).

[0068] Multiple first spherical members B2 can be disposed between the support portion 300 and the frame 310, and multiple second spherical members B3 can be disposed between the frame 310 and the lens support 320.

[0069] A first guide groove portion 301 configured to accommodate a first spherical member B2 may be provided on each of the surfaces of the support portion 300 and the frame 310, which are opposite to each other in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis). The first guide groove portion 301 may include a plurality of guide grooves corresponding to a plurality of first spherical members B2. The first spherical members B2 may be accommodated in the frame 310 and may be inserted between the support portion 300 and the frame 310. When the first spherical members B2 are accommodated in the first guide groove portion 301, movement of the first spherical members B2 in the directions of the optical axis (Z-axis) and the second axis (X-axis) can be prevented, and the first spherical members B2 may move only in the direction of the first axis (Y-axis). As an example, the first spherical members B2 may roll only in the direction of the first axis (Y-axis). For this purpose, the planar surface of each of the plurality of guide grooves of the first guide groove portion 301 may have a rectangular shape, which has a length in the direction of the first axis (Y-axis).

[0070] A second guide groove 311 configured to accommodate the second spherical member B3 may be formed in each of the surfaces of the frame 310 and the lens holder 320 that are opposite to each other in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis). The second guide groove 311 may include a plurality of guide grooves corresponding to a plurality of second spherical members B3.

[0071] The second spherical member B3 can be accommodated in the second guide groove 311 and can be inserted between the frame 310 and the lens holder 320. When the second spherical member B3 is accommodated in the second guide groove 311, movement of the second spherical member B3 in the directions of the optical axis (Z-axis) and the first axis (Y-axis) can be prevented, and the second spherical member B3 can move only in the direction of the second axis (X-axis). As an example, the second spherical member B3 can roll only in the direction of the second axis (X-axis). For this purpose, the planar surface of each of the plurality of guide grooves in the second guide groove 311 can have a rectangular shape, which has a length in the direction of the second axis (X-axis).

[0072] A third spherical member B4 may be provided, configured to support the movement of the lens support 320 between the support portion 300 and the lens support 320. The third spherical member B4 can guide the movement of the lens support 320 in the directions of the first axis (Y-axis) and the second axis (X-axis).

[0073] As an example, when a driving force is generated in the direction of the first axis (Y-axis), the third spherical member B4 can roll in the direction of the first axis (Y-axis). Therefore, the third spherical member B4 can guide the movement of the lens holder 320 in the direction of the first axis (Y-axis).

[0074] Furthermore, when a driving force is generated in the direction of the second axis (X-axis), the third spherical member B4 can roll in that direction. Therefore, the third spherical member B4 can guide the movement of the lens holder 320 along the second axis (X-axis). The second spherical member B3 and the third spherical member B4 can contact the lens holder 320 and support it.

[0075] A third guide groove 302 for accommodating the third spherical member B4 can be formed on each of the surfaces of the support portion 300 and the lens holder 320 that are opposite to each other in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis). The third spherical member B4 can be accommodated in the third guide groove 302 and can be inserted between the support portion 300 and the lens holder 320. When the third spherical member B4 is accommodated in the third guide groove 302, movement of the third spherical member B4 in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis) can be prevented, and the third spherical member B4 can roll only in the directions of the first axis (Y-axis) and the second axis (X-axis). For this purpose, the planar surface of the third guide groove 302 can have a circular shape. Therefore, the planar surfaces of the first guide groove 301, the second guide groove 311, and the third guide groove 302 can have different shapes.

[0076] As described above, the first spherical member B2 can roll in the direction of the first axis (Y-axis), the second spherical member B3 can roll in the direction of the second axis (X-axis), and the third spherical member B4 can roll in the directions of the first axis (Y-axis) and the second axis (X-axis).

[0077] When a driving force is generated acting in the direction of the first axis (Y-axis), the frame 310, lens support 320, and lens barrel 210 can move in the direction of the first axis (Y-axis). The first spherical member B2 and the third spherical member B4 can roll in the direction of the first axis (Y-axis). Movement of the second spherical member B3 can be prevented.

[0078] When a driving force is generated in the direction of the second axis (X-axis), the lens support 320 and the lens barrel 210 can move in the direction of the second axis (X-axis). The second spherical member B3 and the third spherical member B4 can roll in the direction of the second axis (X-axis). Movement of the first spherical member B2 can be prevented.

[0079] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, multiple yokes 510d and 520d can be provided to maintain contact between the OIS actuator 500 and the first spherical member B2 to the third spherical member B4. The multiple yokes 510d and 520d can be fixed to the support portion 300 and can be opposite to multiple magnets 510a and 520a respectively in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis). Therefore, attractive forces can be generated between the multiple yokes 510d and 520d and the multiple magnets 510a and 520a. Through the respective attractive forces between the multiple yokes 510d and 520d and the multiple magnets 510a and 520a, the OIS actuator 500 can be compressed in the directions of the multiple yokes 510d and 520d, and thus, the frame 310 and lens support 320 of the OIS actuator 500 can remain in contact with the first spherical member B2 to the third spherical member B4. The multiple yokes 510d and 520d can be formed of a material capable of generating attractive forces between the multiple yokes 510d and 520d and the multiple magnets 510a and 520a, respectively. As an example, the multiple yokes 510d and 520d can be formed of a magnetic material.

[0080] In the example described in this application, multiple yokes 510d and 520d can be provided such that the frame 310 and lens holder 320 can remain in contact with the first spherical member B2 to the third spherical member B4, and a stop 330 can be provided to prevent the first spherical member B2 to the third spherical member B4, the frame 310, and the lens holder 320 from separating from the support portion 300. The stop 330 can be coupled to the support portion 300 to cover at least a portion of the upper surface of the lens holder 320.

[0081] The aperture module 800 may include, for example, an aperture 810, a magnet 820, a coil 830, a Hall element 840, and a substrate 850. The magnet 820, the coil 830, and the Hall element 840 may constitute an IRIS actuator for the aperture module 800.

[0082] The aperture 810 of the aperture module 800 can be connected to the lens barrel 210 via the upper part of the housing 110. As an example, the aperture 810 can be mounted on the lens holder 320 and connected to the lens barrel 210, wherein the lens barrel 210 is fixedly inserted into the lens holder 320. Therefore, the aperture 810 can move together with the lens barrel 210 and the lens holder 320.

[0083] Magnet 820 can be disposed on one side of aperture 810. As an example, magnet 820 can be mounted on substrate 850 (substrate 850 is disposed on one side of aperture 810), and therefore can be disposed on one side of aperture 810. Magnet 820 can be disposed on one side of aperture 810, and can also be disposed on a fourth side of lens holder 320. As an example, magnet 820 can comprise two magnetic materials with different polarizations.

[0084] The substrate 850 can be coupled to the aperture 810 to enable movement in the direction of the first axis (Y-axis). The substrate 850 may include a connecting member that can be inserted into the aperture 810 and is movable in the direction of the first axis (Y-axis), allowing the substrate 850 to be coupled to the aperture 810 for movement in the direction of the first axis (Y-axis). The diameter of the entrance aperture at the upper part of the aperture 810 can be varied according to the degree of insertion of the connecting member of the substrate 850 (i.e., the length of the substrate 850 and the aperture 810 in the direction of the first axis (Y-axis), thereby allowing the amount of light incident through the aperture 810 to be determined.

[0085] The coil 830 can be disposed on the fourth side of the substrate 600 opposite to the magnet 820. The coil 830 can generate a driving force in the direction of the first axis (Y-axis). When the driving force is generated by the magnet 820 and the coil 830 in the direction of the first axis (Y-axis), the distance between the magnet 820 and the coil 830 in the direction of the first axis (Y-axis) can be changed.

[0086] A Hall element 840 may be positioned opposite a magnet 820 on a fourth side of a substrate 600. The Hall element 840 may include a first Hall element 841 and a second Hall element 842, wherein a coil 830 is inserted between the first Hall element 841 and the second Hall element 842. The flux value of the Hall element 840 may vary depending on the movement of the magnet 820. The position of the magnet 820 may be detected based on the flux value of the Hall element 840.

[0087] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an actuator 1000 used in a camera module according to an embodiment.

[0088] Actuator 1000 may include, for example, a driver 1100, a coil 1200, a magnet 1300, and a position detection device 1400. According to... Figure 3 The actuator 1000 of the exemplary implementation may correspond to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Any one of the AF actuator, OIS actuator, and IRIS actuator shown.

[0089] The driver 1100 can generate a drive signal Sdr based on the input signal Sin applied from an external entity and the feedback signal Sf generated by the position detection device 1400, and can provide the generated drive signal Sdr to the coil 1200. As an example, the input signal Sin can be applied in an electronic device using a camera module and provided by a host computer controlling the overall operation of the electronic device. The input signal Sin provided to the driver 1100 can include information about the target position of the magnet.

[0090] When the drive signal Sdr provided from the driver 1100 is applied to the coil 1200, the diameter of the aperture can be determined by the electromagnetic interaction between the coil 1200 and the magnet 1300.

[0091] The position detection device 1400 can detect the position of the magnet 1300, which moves due to the electromagnetic interaction between the coil 1200 and the magnet 1300, and can generate a feedback signal Sf and provide the feedback signal Sf to the driver 1100. As an example, the position detection device 1400 may include a Hall element for detecting flux values.

[0092] When the feedback signal Sf is provided to the driver 1100, the driver 1100 can compare the input signal Sin with the feedback signal Sf and can generate the drive signal Sdr again. Therefore, the driver 1100 can be driven based on a closed-loop type to compare the input signal Sin with the feedback signal Sf. The closed-loop type driver 1100 can be driven in a direction that reduces the error between the target position of the magnet 1300 included in the input signal Sin and the current position of the magnet 1300 included in the feedback signal Sf. Compared to the open-loop method, the closed-loop-based method can have improved linearity, accuracy, and repeatability.

[0093] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating a position detection device 1400 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0094] refer to Figure 4The position detection device 1400 may include, for example, a comparator 1410, a current converter 1420, a first Hall element 1430a, a second Hall element 1430b, a differential amplifier 1440a, and a summing amplifier 1440b.

[0095] For example, comparator 1410 compares a reference voltage Vref with a difference voltage Vdiff to generate an error voltage Ve. As an example, the error voltage Ve corresponds to the voltage obtained by subtracting the difference voltage Vdiff from the reference voltage Vref. The reference voltage Vref input to comparator 1410 may correspond to a voltage predetermined for the operation of the first Hall element 1430a and the second Hall element 1430b.

[0096] The current converter 1420 can apply a voltage-to-current conversion gain G to the error voltage Ve provided from the comparator 1410 to generate a bias current Ihall (Ihall = G * (Vref - Vdiff)), and provide the generated bias current Ihall to the first Hall element 1430a and the second Hall element 1430b. The voltage-to-current conversion gain G can be the transconductance corresponding to the gain of the output current based on the input voltage.

[0097] When a bias current Ihall is applied to the first Hall element 1430a, the first Hall element 1430a generates a first Hall voltage Vha, and when a bias current Ihall is applied to the second Hall element 1430b, the second Hall element 1430b generates a second Hall voltage Vhb.

[0098] The differential amplifier 1440a can differentially amplify the first Hall voltage Vha and the second Hall voltage Vhb to output a differential voltage Vdiff. For example, the differential amplifier 1440a can apply an amplification gain A to the first Hall voltage Vha generated by the first Hall element 1430a and the second Hall voltage Vhb generated by the second Hall element 1430b to output a differential voltage Vdiff (Vdiff = A * (Vha - Vhb)).

[0099] The summation amplifier 1440b can amplify the first Hall voltage Vha and the second Hall voltage Vhb additively or superimposedly to output a sum voltage Vsum. Specifically, the summation amplifier 1440b can apply an amplification gain A to the first Hall voltage Vha and the second Hall voltage Vhb to output a sum voltage Vsum (Vsum = A * (Vha + Vhb)). As an example, the amplification gain A of the differential amplifier 1440a and the amplification gain A of the summation amplifier 1440b can be equal.

[0100] The position detection device 1400 can use the summation voltage Vsum output from the summation amplifier 1440b as... Figure 3 The feedback signal Sf. In other words, the position detection device 1400 can detect the position of the magnet corresponding to the detected object based on the summation voltage Vsum.

[0101] Considering the difference voltage Vdiff fed back to comparator 1410, the bias current Ihall can be expressed by the following equation 1:

[0102] Equation 1

[0103] Ihall=G*(Vref-A*(Vha-Vhb)).

[0104] Since the first Hall voltage Vha is represented by the product of the magnetic field sensitivity S, the bias current Ihall, and the magnetic field M1 of the first Hall element 1430a, and the second Hall voltage Vhb is represented by the product of the magnetic field sensitivity S, the bias current Ihall, and the magnetic field M2 of the second Hall element 1430b, the bias current Ihall can be expressed by Equation 2. As an example, the magnetic field sensitivity S of the first Hall element 1430a and the magnetic field sensitivity S of the second Hall voltage Vhb can be equal:

[0105] Equation 2

[0106] Ihall=G*(Vref-A*S*Ihall*(M1-M2))

[0107]

[0108] Furthermore, since the first Hall voltage Vha is represented by the product of the magnetic field sensitivity S, the bias current Ihall, and the magnetic field M1 of the first Hall element 1430a, and the second Hall voltage Vhb is represented by the product of the magnetic field sensitivity S, the bias current Ihall, and the magnetic field M2 of the second Hall element 1430b, the summed voltage Vsum can be expressed by Equation 3:

[0109] Equation 3

[0110] Vsum=A*S*Ihall*(M1+M2).

[0111] When the bias current Ihall from Equation 2 is substituted into Equation 3, Equation 3 can be expressed as Equation 4:

[0112] Equation 4

[0113]

[0114] In Equation 4, the value of 1 / (G*A*S) can be significantly smaller than the value of M1-M2 (1 / (G*A*S) << M1-M2). When the value of 1 / (G*A*S) is significantly smaller than the value of M1-M2, Equation 4 can be expressed as Equation 5. As an example, the ratio of (1 / (G*A*S)) to (M1-M2) can be between 1 / 0000 and 1 / 100.

[0115] Equation 5

[0116]

[0117] Based on Equation 5, the summation voltage Vsum can be determined by the ratio of the sum of the magnetic fields M1 and M2 of the first Hall element 1430a and the second Hall element 1430b to the difference between the magnetic fields M1 and M2 of the first Hall element 1430a and the second Hall element 1430b.

[0118] In Equation 4, (M1-M2) is a fixed value that depends on the positional relationship between the first Hall element 1430a and the second Hall element 1430b, while the magnetic field sensitivity S is a fixed value that is a characteristic value of each of the first Hall element 1430a and the second Hall element 1430b.

[0119] Therefore, the position detection device 1400 can determine the voltage-to-current conversion gain G of the current converter 1420 and the amplification gain A of the differential amplifier 1440a and the summing amplifier 1440b based on the magnetic fields M1 and M2 of the first Hall element 1430a and the second Hall element 1430b, while setting the value of 1 / (G*A*S) to be significantly smaller than the value of M1-M2.

[0120] As an example, to ensure that the ratio of (1 / (G*A*S)) to (M1-M2) is between 1 / 10000 and 1 / 00, when the value of M1-M2 is significantly small, the position detection device 1400 adjusts the voltage-to-current conversion gain G and the amplification gain A. Conversely, when the value of M1-M2 is relatively large, the voltage-to-current conversion gain G and the amplification gain A are adjusted so that the summation voltage Vsum, expressed by Equation 5, can be calculated with high accuracy.

[0121] In Equation 5, the reference voltage Vref can be appropriately varied so that the summation voltage Vsum, which is a parameter independent of the positional relationship between the first Hall element 1430a and the second Hall element 1430b or the ambient temperature, lies within a certain range.

[0122] As an example, since the reference voltage Vref is appropriately adjusted so that the summation voltage Vsum is within a certain range, the input range of the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that performs digital conversion on the summation voltage can be defined, and thus the manufacturing cost of the ADC can be reduced.

[0123] In Equation 5, when the magnetic fields M1 and M2 of the first Hall element 1430a and the second Hall element 1430b are affected by the temperature coefficient T, the summed voltage Vsum can be expressed by the following Equation 6:

[0124] Equation 6

[0125]

[0126] Based on Equation 6, even when the magnetic fields M1 and M2 of the first Hall element 1430a and the second Hall element 1430b are affected by the temperature coefficient T, the temperature coefficient T is canceled out. Therefore, according to the example, the position detection device 1400 provides a summed voltage as a feedback signal Sf, thereby eliminating the change in Hall voltage with temperature.

[0127] The position detection device according to the embodiments disclosed in this application can compensate for changes in Hall voltage caused by temperature changes.

[0128] Perform the operations described in this application Figure 3 and Figure 4The driver 1100, comparator 1410, and current converter 1420 are implemented by hardware components configured to perform the operations described herein. Where appropriate, examples of hardware components that can be used to perform the operations described herein include controllers, sensors, generators, drivers, memories, comparators, arithmetic logic units, adders, subtractors, multipliers, dividers, integrators, and any other electronic components configured to perform the operations described herein. In other examples, one or more of the hardware components performing the operations described herein are implemented by computing hardware (e.g., by one or more processors or computers). A processor or computer may be implemented by one or more processing elements, such as logic gate arrays, controllers and arithmetic logic units, digital signal processors, microcomputers, programmable logic controllers, field-programmable gate arrays, programmable logic arrays, microprocessors, or any other device or combination of devices configured to respond to and execute instructions in a prescribed manner to achieve desired results. In one example, the processor or computer includes (or is connected to) one or more memories storing instructions or software executed by the processor or computer. Hardware components implemented by a processor or computer can execute instructions or software, such as an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications running on the OS, to perform the operations described in this application. Hardware components can also access, manipulate, process, create, and store data in response to the execution of instructions or software. For simplicity, the singular terms "processor" or "computer" are used to describe the examples described in this application, but in other examples multiple processors or computers may be used, or a processor or computer may include multiple processing elements, or multiple types of processing elements, or both. For example, a single hardware component or two or more hardware components may be implemented by a single processor, or two or more processors, or a processor and a controller. One or more hardware components may be implemented by one or more processors, or a processor and a controller, and one or more other hardware components may be implemented by one or more other processors, or another processor and another controller. One or more processors, or a processor and a controller, may implement a single hardware component, or two or more hardware components. Hardware components can have any one or more different processing configurations, examples of which include a single processor, a discrete processor, a parallel processor, a single instruction single data (SISD) multiprocessing, a single instruction multiple data (SIMD) multiprocessing, multiple instruction single data (MISD) multiprocessing, and multiple instruction multiple data (MIMD) multiprocessing.

[0129] Figure 3 and Figure 4The methods for performing the operations described in this application are executed by computing hardware, such as one or more processors or computers implemented as described above, executing instructions or software to perform the operations performed by the methods described in this application. For example, a single operation or two or more operations may be performed by a single processor, or two or more processors, or a processor and a controller. One or more operations may be performed by one or more processors, or a processor and a controller, and one or more other operations may be performed by one or more other processors, or another processor and another controller. One or more processors, or a processor and a controller, may perform a single operation, or two or more operations.

[0130] Instructions or software for controlling computing hardware (e.g., one or more processors or computers) to implement hardware components and perform the methods described above can be written as computer programs, code segments, instructions, or any combination thereof, for individually or collectively instructing or configuring one or more processors or computers to operate as a machine or special-purpose computer to perform operations performed by the hardware components and the methods described above. In one example, the instructions or software include machine code that is directly executed by one or more processors or computers, such as machine code generated by a compiler. In another example, the instructions or software include high-level code that is executed by one or more processors or computers using an interpreter. The instructions or software can be written in any programming language based on the block diagrams and flowcharts shown in the accompanying drawings and the corresponding descriptions in the specification, which disclose algorithms for performing operations performed by the hardware components and methods described above.

[0131] Instructions or software for controlling computing hardware (e.g., one or more processors or computers) to implement hardware components and perform the methods described above, along with any associated data, data files, and data structures, may be recorded, stored, or fixed in or on one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable storage media include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD+R, CD-RW, CD+RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD-RAM, BD-ROM, BD-R, BD-R LTH, BD-RE, magnetic tape, floppy disk, magneto-optical data storage device, optical data storage device, hard disk, solid-state drive, and any other device configured to store instructions or software and any associated data, data files, and data structures in a non-transitory manner and to provide instructions or software and any associated data, data files, and data structures to one or more processors or computers such that one or more processors or computers can execute the instructions. In one example, instructions or software, along with any associated data, data files, and data structures, are distributed across a network-connected computer system, such that the instructions or software, along with any associated data, data files, and data structures, are stored, accessed, and executed in a distributed manner by one or more processors or computers.

[0132] While this disclosure includes specific examples, it will be apparent upon understanding the disclosure of this application that various changes in form and detail may be made to these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples described herein are to be understood in a descriptive sense only and not for limiting purposes. Descriptions of features or aspects in each example should be considered applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Suitable results may still be achieved if the described techniques are performed in a different order, and / or if components in the described system, architecture, device, or circuit are combined in different ways and / or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents. Furthermore, various embodiments may be combined with each other. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited by the specific embodiments but by the claims and their equivalents, and all variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents should be understood to be included in this disclosure.

Claims

1. Position detection equipment, including: First Hall element; Second Hall element; A differential amplifier is configured to generate a differential voltage by differentially amplifying a first Hall voltage generated by the first Hall element and a second Hall voltage generated by the second Hall element; A summing amplifier is configured to generate a summed voltage by summing and amplifying the first Hall voltage and the second Hall voltage; A comparator is configured to compare a reference voltage with the difference voltage to generate an error voltage; as well as A current converter is configured to apply a voltage-to-current conversion gain to the error voltage to generate a bias current supplied to the first Hall element and the second Hall element based on the error voltage. The position detection device is configured to detect the position of the object based on the summed voltage, and The voltage-to-current conversion gain is determined based on the magnetic field of the first Hall element and the magnetic field of the second Hall element.

2. The position detection device according to claim 1, wherein, The summing voltage satisfies: ， Wherein, Vsum is the summing voltage, Vref is the reference voltage, G is the voltage-to-current conversion gain of the current converter, A is the amplification gain of the differential amplifier and the summing amplifier, S is the magnetic field sensitivity, M1 is the magnetic field of the first Hall element, and M2 is the magnetic field of the second Hall element.

3. The position detection device according to claim 2, wherein, The summing voltage, the reference voltage, the voltage-to-current conversion gain, the amplification gain, the magnetic field sensitivity, the magnetic field of the first Hall element, and the magnetic field of the second Hall element satisfy the following: 。 4. The position detection device according to claim 3, wherein, The summing voltage, the reference voltage, the voltage-to-current conversion gain, the amplification gain, the magnetic field sensitivity, the magnetic field of the first Hall element, and the magnetic field of the second Hall element satisfy the following: 。 5. The position detection device according to claim 3, wherein, The summation voltage is determined based on the ratio of the difference between the magnetic fields of the first Hall element and the second Hall element to the sum of the magnetic fields of the first Hall element and the second Hall element.

6. The position detection device according to claim 1, wherein, The comparator is configured to calculate the difference between the reference voltage and the differential voltage.

7. The position detection device according to claim 1, wherein, The magnetic field sensitivity of the first Hall element is equal to that of the second Hall element.

8. The position detection device according to claim 1, wherein, The amplification gain of the differential amplifier is equal to the amplification gain of the summing amplifier.

9. Position detection equipment, including: First Hall element; Second Hall element; A differential amplifier is configured to apply amplification gain to a first Hall voltage generated by the first Hall element and a second Hall voltage generated by the second Hall element to generate a differential voltage; A summing amplifier configured to apply the amplification gain to the first Hall voltage and the second Hall voltage to generate a summing voltage; A comparator is configured to compare a reference voltage with the difference voltage to generate an error voltage; as well as A current converter is configured to apply a voltage-to-current conversion gain to the error voltage to generate a bias current supplied to the first Hall element and the second Hall element based on the error voltage. The voltage-to-current conversion gain and the amplification gain are determined based on the magnetic field of the first Hall element and the magnetic field of the second Hall element.

10. The position detection device according to claim 9, wherein, The summing voltage satisfies: ， Wherein, Vsum is the summed voltage, Vref is the reference voltage, G is the voltage-to-current conversion gain, A is the amplification gain, S is the magnetic field sensitivity, M1 is the magnetic field of the first Hall element, and M2 is the magnetic field of the second Hall element.

11. The position detection device according to claim 10, wherein, The summing voltage, the reference voltage, the voltage-to-current conversion gain, the amplification gain, the magnetic field sensitivity, the magnetic field of the first Hall element, and the magnetic field of the second Hall element satisfy the following: 。 12. The position detection device according to claim 11, wherein, The summing voltage, the reference voltage, the voltage-to-current conversion gain, the amplification gain, the magnetic field sensitivity, the magnetic field of the first Hall element, and the magnetic field of the second Hall element satisfy the following: 。 13. The position detection device according to claim 11, wherein, The summation voltage is determined based on the ratio of the difference between the magnetic fields of the first Hall element and the second Hall element to the sum of the magnetic fields of the first Hall element and the second Hall element.

14. The position detection device according to claim 9, wherein, The comparator is configured to calculate the difference between the reference voltage and the differential voltage.

15. The position detection device according to claim 9, wherein, The magnetic field sensitivity of the first Hall element is equal to that of the second Hall element.

16. A camera module, comprising: Lens tube; An aperture module is connected to the lens barrel and includes an aperture configured to control the amount of light incident on the lens barrel; coil; A magnet is configured to move together with either the lens barrel or the component that sets the aperture size; A driver configured to apply a drive signal to the coil to cause the magnet to move based on the electromagnetic interaction between the coil and the magnet; as well as Position detection equipment, including: First Hall element; Second Hall element; A differential amplifier is configured to generate a differential voltage by differentially amplifying a first Hall voltage generated by the first Hall element and a second Hall voltage generated by the second Hall element; A summing amplifier is configured to generate a summed voltage by summing and amplifying the first Hall voltage and the second Hall voltage; A comparator, configured to compare a reference voltage with the difference voltage to generate an error voltage; and A current converter is configured to apply a voltage-to-current conversion gain to the error voltage to generate a bias current supplied to the first Hall element and the second Hall element based on the error voltage. The position detection device is configured to detect the position of the magnet based on the summed voltage, and The voltage-to-current conversion gain is determined based on the magnetic field of the first Hall element and the magnetic field of the second Hall element.

17. The camera module according to claim 16, wherein, The position detection device is further configured to generate a feedback signal based on the summed voltage, and The driver is further configured to generate the drive signal based on the feedback signal and the input signal indicating the target position of the magnet.

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